What is the cheapest place to live in Georgia?

With the cost of living in the United States on the rise, it’s no wonder that 67% of Americans are worried about rising prices and inflation. If you’re one of them, you’re not alone. It can be hard to find a great place to live that is also budget friendly.

Luckily, there are still great cities to live in that have a lower cost of living—and Georgia’s home to many of them! If you’re looking for a new state to live in, look no further than the Peach State.

If you’re already a proud Georgian considering a move within the state, this list of the cheapest places to live in Georgia will help you make the right choice.

This curated list of affordable places to live was selected not only for cost of living but ranked for additional factors like amenities and employment opportunities.

The Cheapest Places to Live In Georgia: An Overview

The Top 5 Cheapest Places to Live in Georgia

Georgia is generally a more affordable place to live compared to most states and consistently ranks on lists of the cheapest places to live in the United States. No matter where you choose to live in Georgia, you’re sure to discover a great quality of life and affordable cost of living.

In addition to the median annual income and median home value statistics in the chart above, we’ve also consolidated information about each city’s population, walk score, and living wage.

An area’s walk score is out of 100 and represents the walkability of an area (with a higher score correlating to better walkability). A living wage represents what a full-time worker needs to make per hour to support themselves and/or their family.

Ready to discover the cheapest places to live in Georgia? Let’s dive in!

#1: Columbus, Georgia

• Population: 202,616
• Walk Score: 25/100
• Living Wage per Hour, 1 Adult, 0 Children: $15.52

Columbus is a Fall Line city located about halfway down Georgia’s western border. Its prime location on the Chattahoochee River gives it gorgeous river views and beautiful natural scenery.

In addition to its natural beauty, Columbus is the second-largest city in Georgia behind Atlanta, offering the perks of a big city without the hefty price tag or traffic. Living in Columbus allows you to immerse yourself in its lush parks and engage in exhilarating white-water rafting or kayaking adventures. The city also has a plethora of career opportunities with Columbus’ top employers—including Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), Aflac, and Synovus. There are so many great things to do in Columbus, from local museums, boutiques, craft breweries, and dining spots that will ensure you have a vibrant social life.

#2: Augusta, Georgia

• Population: 199,246
• Walk Score: 22/100
• Living Wage per Hour, 1 Adult, 0 Children: $15.90

Placed along the Savannah River, Augusta is one of the oldest cities in Georgia, founded in 1736 by British colonists. Today, its residents enjoy proximity to both the beach and the Georgia mountains, easy access to interstates I-20 and I-520, and a rich Southern history.

Residents of Augusta will enjoy its mild winters and warmer summers, the U.S. Cyber Center of Excellence at Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon), and delicious Southern fare at Augusta’s numerous highly-rated restaurants. There’s even a Saturday Market on the river most of the year for all of your fresh produce and handmade craft needs.

#3: Albany, Georgia

• Population: 67,192
• Walk Score: 23/100
• Living Wage per Hour, 1 Adult, 0 Children: $15.85

Albany became popular in the 19th century due to its status as a shipping and market center and later became a hub for the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. The city has developed as a multinational industrial town on both sides of the Flint River.

As an Albany resident, you’ll enjoy fishing and hunting above the Floridan Aquifer and find community among the city’s friendly residents. Albany is also home to Radium Springs Garden— one of Georgia’s 7 Natural Wonders. Plus, the Greenway Trails RiverWalk is a gorgeous route to take for river views.

#4: Dalton, Georgia

• Population: 34,366
• Walk Score: 30/100
• Living Wage per Hour, 1 Adult, 0 Children: $14.95

Dalton is the “Carpet Capital of the World”, where the carpet and flooring industry employs over 30,000 people in the surrounding region. In fact, more than 90% of the functional carpet in the world is produced within a 65-mile radius of Dalton. The city is located on Interstate I-75 between Atlanta and Chattanooga.

The Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia are known for their gorgeous hikes and cool mountain weather, and you’ll particularly enjoy popular trails like the Georgia Disney Trail and those within the Fort Mountain State Park. The Chattahoochee National Forest is also a popular attraction in the area.

#5: Macon, Georgia

• Population: 156,197
• Walk Score: 30/100
• Living Wage per Hour, 1 Adult, 0 Children: $15.26

Right in the heart of Georgia is Macon, the second of Georgia’s three Fall Line Cities (the other two being the aforementioned Columbus and Augusta). It’s “Where Soul Lives” and offers plenty of Southern music, food, and culture.

Local farms and orchards provide fresh peaches and other produce to Macon’s residents, helping give Georgia the famous “Peach State” name. Outdoor lovers will also enjoy the beautiful Ocmulgee River that runs through the city.

Should you move to one of the cheapest places in Georgia?

If you’re looking for a more affordable place to live, you’re not alone. In fact, thousands of Americans are relocating so they can make their dollars stretch further—but the question is, how do you decide on which of these “cheapest places” to move to?

Well, it comes down to what you’re looking for in your new home. But if you’re hoping to find a great place to raise a family or elevate your career (without the long commutes that come with a bigger, more expensive city), Columbus, Georgia might be right for you.

Columbus is one of the more affordable places to live in Georgia—and it’s the second biggest city in the state. That means you get the perks of living in a larger city, like a thriving job market, while enjoying a strong sense of community and an affordable cost of living.

If you’re ready to learn more about living in Columbus, contact us here. Our team is here to help!